Arkikielisessä

Arkikielisessä is a Finnish linguistic term describing the everyday language register used in ordinary speech and informal writing. The word derives from arkikielinen, meaning “everyday, colloquial language,” and arkikielisessä is the inessive form meaning “in everyday language.” It appears in discussions of language style, variation, and competence in Finnish linguistics and education.

In Finnish language studies, varieties are often described as kirjakieli (formal written standard), arkikieli (ordinary spoken language), and puhekieli (colloquial speech that can include slang). Arkikielinen sits between kirjakieli and puhekieli in terms of formality and vocabulary; it favors clarity and accessibility over formal precision, while generally avoiding the strongest slang or nonstandard grammar typical of puhekieli. It is commonly used to characterize everyday conversations, informal writing, and media aimed at broad audiences.

Features of arkikielinen include the use of common everyday vocabulary, conventional grammatical structures without heavy deviations, and typical contractions. It may incorporate regional expressions but usually avoids highly informal slang. The register appears in daily conversations, popular journalism aimed at a wide audience, and informal online communication. In writing, it aims for a natural, conversational tone while maintaining intelligibility and a neutral stance.

Examples of usage include referring to a text or speech with an arkikielinen tone, and describing phrases such as “tää homma” or “mulla on aikaa,” which illustrate everyday speech in contrast to more formal equivalents. See also Kirjakieli, Puhekieli, and Suomen kieli for related concepts and contrasts.